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16/10/2011 09:28:12
Introducing Integrated Control of Slugs
Controlling slugs has become more complicated as growers now need to apply strict Stewardship guidelines for the application of metaldehyde-based slug pellets in order to avoid risk of water contamination. With significant dose rate restrictions for this type of product being advised as part of this Stewardship, it makes sense to look for ways to integrate an alternative active ingredient, such as methiocarb, within a slug control programme.
Dr. David Stormonth, Technical Manager for Interfarm, points out that cultural methods of control should be the first option, with the creation of firm, fine seedbeds being a sound start to limiting slug activity. "Then growers should look at using slug pellets when there is a confirmed need. It makes sense to use a proven high quality product with a different mode of action which would help to avoid the water contamination problem in the first place."
David suggests that growers should consider introducing Cobra into their programme. "Containing 4% methiocarb, Cobra is a modern high quality wet extruded pellet, which maintains its integrity, even in wet conditions, which is a significantly important characteristic. Not only is it very durable, giving long lasting persistence with the possibility of fewer applications, but also it has good ballistic properties for an even application on the soil surface. Cobra works in a different way to metaldehyde, being a stomach poison. This means that slugs which feed on methiocarb-based Cobra pellets rarely recover, unlike metaldehyde, and that Cobra continues to work effectively even when it is cold and wet."
He points out that the most widely used active ingredient metaldehyde has a maximum permitted application rate of just 210 gm a.i./ha between the 1st August and 31st December. "Advisors can recommend even lower rates of 160 gm a.i./ha as an additional water protection measure. These low dose rates form part of the Stewardship guidelines and must be adhered to if we are to avoid any water contamination."
However, he reports that methiocarb is more than eight times less soluble than metaldehyde and it binds tightly to the soil. "This means lower risk of contaminating surface water. Although Cobra has no LERAP, it must be kept out of watercourses."
David reminds growers that winter cereals should be monitored for slugs from sowing to the start of tillering and oilseed rape from sowing to four true leaves. "When traps indicate the threshold level of slugs has been exceeded and if the weather conditions are conducive for application, then pellets can be applied."
Cobra is recommended in winter barley and winter wheat at a maximum individual dose rate of 3.75 kg/ha, with 2 applications per crop. In oilseed rape it can be recommended up to a 7.5 kg/ha, with a maximum individual dose of 3.75 kg/ha. It has full label recommendations for a number of other vegetable and horticultural crops including potatoes.
Marketed by Interfarm UK Ltd, Cobra is a pelleted bait containing 4% methiocarb and packed in boxes of 2 by 10 kg polybags. It is used for the control of slugs, snails and strawberry seed beetle and for the reduction in leatherjacket populations. It is recommended in barley, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, forage maize, oats, oilseed rape, outdoor lettuce, outdoor spinach, potatoes, rye, strawberry, sunflower, triticale, wheat and all non-edible crops
Dr. David Stormonth, Technical Manager for Interfarm, points out that cultural methods of control should be the first option, with the creation of firm, fine seedbeds being a sound start to limiting slug activity. "Then growers should look at using slug pellets when there is a confirmed need. It makes sense to use a proven high quality product with a different mode of action which would help to avoid the water contamination problem in the first place."
David suggests that growers should consider introducing Cobra into their programme. "Containing 4% methiocarb, Cobra is a modern high quality wet extruded pellet, which maintains its integrity, even in wet conditions, which is a significantly important characteristic. Not only is it very durable, giving long lasting persistence with the possibility of fewer applications, but also it has good ballistic properties for an even application on the soil surface. Cobra works in a different way to metaldehyde, being a stomach poison. This means that slugs which feed on methiocarb-based Cobra pellets rarely recover, unlike metaldehyde, and that Cobra continues to work effectively even when it is cold and wet."
He points out that the most widely used active ingredient metaldehyde has a maximum permitted application rate of just 210 gm a.i./ha between the 1st August and 31st December. "Advisors can recommend even lower rates of 160 gm a.i./ha as an additional water protection measure. These low dose rates form part of the Stewardship guidelines and must be adhered to if we are to avoid any water contamination."
However, he reports that methiocarb is more than eight times less soluble than metaldehyde and it binds tightly to the soil. "This means lower risk of contaminating surface water. Although Cobra has no LERAP, it must be kept out of watercourses."
David reminds growers that winter cereals should be monitored for slugs from sowing to the start of tillering and oilseed rape from sowing to four true leaves. "When traps indicate the threshold level of slugs has been exceeded and if the weather conditions are conducive for application, then pellets can be applied."
Cobra is recommended in winter barley and winter wheat at a maximum individual dose rate of 3.75 kg/ha, with 2 applications per crop. In oilseed rape it can be recommended up to a 7.5 kg/ha, with a maximum individual dose of 3.75 kg/ha. It has full label recommendations for a number of other vegetable and horticultural crops including potatoes.
Marketed by Interfarm UK Ltd, Cobra is a pelleted bait containing 4% methiocarb and packed in boxes of 2 by 10 kg polybags. It is used for the control of slugs, snails and strawberry seed beetle and for the reduction in leatherjacket populations. It is recommended in barley, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, forage maize, oats, oilseed rape, outdoor lettuce, outdoor spinach, potatoes, rye, strawberry, sunflower, triticale, wheat and all non-edible crops
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